When you refer to the Dhwaja Vrata spanning the months of Chaitra, Vaishakha, and Jyeshtha, it points directly to a highly specific, ancient scriptural vow detailed in the Vishnudharmottara Purana (and referenced in the Hemadri Vrata Khanda).
This is also known as the Chaturmurti Vrata, because it spans exactly four months—adding Ashadha as the concluding month. It is dedicated to the Chaturvyuha (the four primary expansions) of Lord Vishnu: Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha.
Instead of offering a single flag to a temple, this vow involves the daily worship of the specific flag emblems (dhwajas) associated with each of these four deities, changing the focus each month.
The Four-Month Cycle
During this vow, the devotee must use specific colors for the cloth, flowers, sandalwood paste, and offerings that correspond to the deity of that month.
| Month – – – | Presiding Deity – – – | Flag Symbol (Dhwaja) – – – | Required Color |
| Chaitra (Spring) – – – | Vasudeva – – – | Garuda (Eagle) – – – | Yellow (Pita) – – – |
| Vaishakha – – – | Sankarshana (Balarama) – – – | Tala (Palm Tree) – – – | Blue (Nila) – – – |
| Jyeshtha (Summer) – – – | Pradyumna – – – | Makara (Crocodile) – – – | White (Shveta) – – – |
| Ashadha – – – | Aniruddha – – – | Rishya (Deer/Antelope) – – – | Red (Rakta) – – – |
Rules of the Vrata
According to the Vishnudharmottara Purana, the rules for observing this vow are incredibly strict. Throughout the four months, the practitioner must:
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Daily Worship: Bathe daily and worship the specific flag symbol (e.g., the Garuda flag in Chaitra) and the sacred fire (Agni).
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Dietary Discipline: Eat only one meal a day at night (Nakta vrata), and the food must be completely free of oil.
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Lifestyle: Maintain strict celibacy (Brahmacharya) and sleep on the floor (Adhashayya).
The Conclusion
The vrata concludes on the final day of Ashadha. To complete the vow, the devotee must feed Brahmins and donate colored clothes that match the four months (yellow, blue, white, and red).
The scriptures state that if a devotee successfully completes this four-month cycle every year for 12 years, they attain Sayujya (ultimate spiritual union and liberation) with Lord Vishnu.